Apartment Painting Cost in Dubai: 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom
As a rough guide in 2026, painting in Dubai is typically quoted at AED 5–20 per sq ft for standard paint and AED 30–80 per sq ft for a premium finish. The total depends less on the number of bedrooms than on the condition of the walls, the ceiling height, the paint system and how much has to be moved or protected.
Below we explain what a quote should contain, what changes the price, and how to compare offers for a studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartment without surprises.
Typical painting prices in Dubai in 2026
The ranges below are typical figures quoted in Dubai in 2026. They are indicative, and a written quote after a survey is the only number that counts for your apartment.
| Item | Typical range (AED) | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paint, per sq ft | 5–20 | Wall condition, paint grade, number of coats |
| Premium finish, per sq ft | 30–80 | Specialist paint, extra preparation, colour matching |
| Entry-level repaint, studio | from about 450 plus VAT | Empty unit, walls in good condition, basic paint only |
| Entry-level repaint, 1 bedroom | from about 800 plus VAT | Same conditions; other sources quote much higher |
| Entry-level repaint, 2 bedrooms | from about 1,300 plus VAT | Same conditions; treat as a floor, not a budget |
| Entry-level repaint, 3 bedrooms | from about 1,600 plus VAT | Same conditions; treat as a floor, not a budget |
| Villa painting (for comparison) | 8,000–35,000 | Size, number of floors, exterior or interior only |
| False ceilings with lighting (separate work) | 5,000–30,000 | Area, design, number of light points |
The entry-level figures are the lowest offers we see for a simple repaint of an empty apartment in good condition. Other sources quote far higher totals, so do not plan a budget around the bottom of that scale.
Why the price per sq ft varies so much
Always ask what the per sq ft figure is measured on. Some painters price per sq ft of floor area, others per sq ft of painted wall and ceiling surface. The two can differ by a factor of two or three, so one quote can look cheap and the other expensive when they are actually close.
- Wall condition. Cracks, old patches, nail holes, damp marks and peeling paint all need filling, sanding and priming. Preparation is often more work than the paint itself.
- Number of coats and paint grade. Covering a dark colour with a light one takes more coats. Washable and anti-mould paints cost more than basic emulsion, and they are worth it in humid Dubai bathrooms and kitchens.
- Ceilings and height. Painting ceilings adds area and needs scaffolding or towers in apartments with tall ceilings.
- Furnished or empty. Furniture has to be moved and covered. Floors, windows, joinery and door frames need protection, and that takes time.
- Extras. Wallpaper removal, feature walls, textured finishes, skirting and door painting are usually priced separately.
1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments: three typical cases
Refresh before a new tenant
The walls are sound and only scuffed. The job is light preparation, one or two coats of standard paint in neutral colours, and touching up woodwork. This sits at the lower end of the standard range, and speed matters more than finish.
Repaint before sale or a long let
Years of use have left marks and uneven patches. Proper filling, sanding, priming and two full coats make rooms look newer than any quick touch-up. Expect the middle of the standard range and a longer schedule. See our guide to renovating to rent out for what pays back.
Painting inside a larger renovation
New ceilings, relocated sockets and replastered walls mean painting is the last stage and is priced inside the whole project. It is cheaper per sq ft than a separate job, because the surfaces are already prepared. Our apartment renovation cost guide shows how it fits into a full budget.
A 3 bedroom apartment does not cost three times a 1 bedroom. Fixed costs such as protection, set-up and clean-up are spread across more area, so the price per sq ft usually drops a little as the apartment grows.
VAT, deposits and approvals
VAT in the UAE is 5%, and construction and fit-out services are standard-rated, so it appears on the contractor's invoice. Check whether a quote is shown with or without VAT before you compare two offers.
Interior repainting and loose furniture usually need no government permit, but confirm with your owners' association or building management. Many Dubai towers still want to know who is working in the building, and some ask for a refundable deposit. Reported deposits range from about AED 2,000 to AED 30,000 depending on the source and the building, and the actual figure is set by each building. If you are a tenant, get the landlord's permission in writing first. Our article on tenant renovation and landlord approval explains why.
Noise and working hours are set by the building's NOC, so ask management before booking a date. More detail is in renovation working hours and building rules in Dubai.
A painting quote that gives only one price for the whole apartment hides the real scope. Ask for a written list: which rooms, whether ceilings and doors are included, how many coats, which paint, what preparation, and whether furniture moving and VAT are inside the price.
How a painting job runs
- Survey and measure. We visit, measure the wall and ceiling area, check the condition of each surface and agree colours and finish.
- Written quote. You receive an itemised price, and the price and timeline are fixed in the contract, with no extras beyond the quote.
- Building approval. We prepare the paperwork for the building where it is needed and agree access, lift use and working hours.
- Protection and preparation. Floors, furniture, windows and joinery are covered. Cracks and holes are filled, surfaces sanded and primed.
- Painting. Ceilings first, then walls, then woodwork. You get a daily photo and video report, and clients abroad can approve colours online.
- Handover. We check against a list, clean the site and touch up before you sign off.
Cheap or good: where to save
Saving on the paint grade is rarely the right place. The better savings are available elsewhere: paint while the apartment is empty, group painting with other work so access is arranged once, and keep neutral colours that need fewer coats. A very low offer usually means thin preparation or a single coat, and the marks show within months.
If you are painting as part of a wider update, the ceilings are often the next question. Our false ceiling price guide covers that cost separately. For the full picture of what we do in apartments, see our apartment renovation service and the pricing page.
Budget on the standard range of AED 5–20 per sq ft for a sound apartment and the premium range for demanding finishes, and treat any total far below that as a basic repaint of empty rooms. Get a written, itemised quote after a survey, check VAT is included, and confirm building rules before you set a date.
Get a fixed painting quote
Tell us the size of your apartment and the finish you want. We will survey it, measure the surfaces and give you an itemised price with a fixed timeline.
Book a site surveyFAQ
How much does it cost to paint a 1 bedroom apartment in Dubai?
As a rough guide in 2026, standard paint is typically quoted at AED 5–20 per sq ft. Entry-level offers for an empty 1 bedroom in good condition start at under AED 1,000, but other sources quote much more. The final price depends on wall condition, ceilings, paint grade and whether furniture has to be moved.
Is VAT added to painting quotes in Dubai?
Yes. VAT in the UAE is 5% and construction and fit-out services are standard-rated, so it shows on the contractor's invoice. Always check whether a quote is with or without VAT before comparing.
Do I need a permit to repaint my apartment in Dubai?
Interior repainting usually needs no government permit, but confirm with your owners' association or building management. Some buildings ask for notice, working-hour agreements or a refundable deposit. Tenants should get the landlord's permission in writing.
Is a premium paint finish worth it?
Premium finishes are typically quoted at AED 30–80 per sq ft against AED 5–20 for standard. They are worth considering for living areas, damp-prone rooms and long-term ownership. For a quick tenant turnaround, a good standard finish with proper preparation is usually enough.